A Minute With: Stefan Frei

A Minute With: Stefan Frei

Toronto FC rookie goalkeeper Stefan Frei has enjoyed a dream start to his professional career. While most goalkeepers spend years working their way into a starting role, Frei has taken over as TFC's No. 1 from the beginning and is enjoying a Rookie of the Year-type season.

Frei's first season has had its share of highlights, but the first and one of the best came in his very first game, Toronto's 4-2 win vs. Kansas City.

"I remember being on the phone with my brother after the game and him point out to me that I had just played against someone we grew up watching back in Switzerland," Frei said. "Claudio Lopez was someone we watched growing up in Switzerland when he played for Valencia and, here I was, playing against him. That was definitely a moment where I knew I was in the pros now.

Frei and Toronto FC take on New England on Saturday at BMO Field.

What do you think of Frei's season so far? Does he get your Rookie of the Year vote? Can you see him making a move to Europe sooner than later? Are you one of the fans who wishes your team had drafted him?

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26 comments

TO

His distribution is not very good when the ball is passed back to him and he has some decisiveness issues, so I think he will stay in the MLS for a few more years before he moves on. Keepers have a long career arc so he isn’t in a big hurry. I’m sure he can learn more in the MLS playing as the number one goalie then he can sitting on a bench in Europe. He does have a lot of potential!

marlon–youre not tied to a country unless you play a full international. im pretty sure thats the rule

sayrevilleFC–im sure Frei havin his green card has more to do with him NOT filling an international roster spot for TFC and less with a desire for US citizenship

US or not, this guy is the next big transfer out of MLS. Maybe not one and done, but definatley not 3. He’s too good to be here. Anyone know if he is related to Swiss international striker Alexander Frei?

Hmmm the Swiss program is pretty good right now – good results in ’06, and would have done better in the 08 Euros if Frei’s cousin hadn’t gotten injured and are on pace to qualify for 2010. I don’t think he’d be missing out on anything.

On opening day I was shocked we were handing the reins to a rookie after Sutton and Edwards had battled for the job last year. However, the guy’s been impressive and saved the three points on several occasions already this season. He’s got the reaction time of a cat

Cbr: I’m not so sure about that. First, he’s under a three year deal (GenAd, right?) second, he’s still quite young for a keeper, he’s getting first team ball in a decent team in a league that has produced a decent share of keepers he’s going to develop more at bmo for a few seasons than being an understudy in a middling European league. If he keeps developing, three years from now maybe he can compete for a starting spot in a top league. But right now he’d ride pine. I can see an exception if it’s a perfect apprentice role, like seitz has at Villa, where you are the de facto successor of a late-career keeper.

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